The BMW M135i is the model’s first-ever front-wheel drive-based sizzling hatchback. Now that it’s right here, it must deal with different vehicles which were at it for lots longer. The king of which has lastly been up to date and is right here to tackle BMW’s newcomer — the Audi S3 Sportback.
The S3 Sportback is the longest-running, hottest premium sizzling hatch within the section, so Audi is aware of tips on how to make such a automobile. Which implies that the M135i’ll have its fingers full making an attempt to take it down, contemplating it not longer has the fanatic’s good thing about being rear-wheel drive. However, we haven’t pushed the brand new S3 but, so we will’t touch upon which is healthier to drive. We can touch upon their styling, although. So let’s take a fast have a look at which automobile is healthier trying.
Typically, S3s are moderately reserved of their styling however this new one appears very aggressive, with its monstrous grille and huge entrance air intakes. It’s definitely extra aggressive trying up entrance than the type of bubbly trying M135i. The S3’s headlights are sharper and extra angular, its grille plunges deep down low into the entrance bumper and its hood shut line has three little vents in-built. Compared to the S3, the M135i appears to be like a bit smooth and I can’t assist however consider one of many pigs from Angry Birds once I have a look at it. So I’ve to provide the win to the Audi S3, right here.
In profile, each vehicles appear to be typical front-wheel drive-based hatchbacks however have their very own distinctive styling. They’re truly each good trying vehicles from the aspect, with the Bimmer trying a bit sleeker and the Audi trying extra muscular. Both are sporty and each look higher than the opposite in sure methods. For occasion, the BMW M135i appears to be like extra like a sizzling hatch, due to its sportier roof spoiler and seemingly shorter entrance overhang. While the Audi S3 has extra muscular wheel arches that give it a sexier look. Both vehicles have terrible wheels, although. So it’s a tie right here.
Out again, each vehicles have comparable appears to be like, truly, with extensive taillights and a bunch of faux vents. Though, I believe the win out again has to go to the Audi S3. Its quad exhausts are cooler trying than the M135i’s twin exhausts and its pseudo rear diffuser is a bit sportier than the Bimmers. While each are comparable, the S3’s quad exhausts actually make the distinction and assist it stand out because the sportier trying automobile.
Inside, this can be a no-brainer. The Audi S3’s cabin is way snazzier than the BMW M135i’s. It’s modern, sporty and has a ton of fascinating trying options. Ergonomics appear a bit questionable in some locations however we received’t touch upon that till we truly sit in it. Plus, its Virtual Cockpit is miles forward of BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional and its steering wheel is an applicable thickness. While the M135i’s cabin is constructed to an absurdly top quality and does have some cool options, just like the LED backlit trim bits, it’s only a little bit of a snooze-fest. The identical may be mentioned the M235i, which we not too long ago examined.
Overall, the Audi S3 Sportback has to take the win right here. I do know I’ll be labeled as a VW Group-fanboy, as I at all times am, however Audi is simply making extra fascinating trying vehicles than BMW in the intervening time and the M135i is BMW’s weakest providing. So this was at all times going to be a lopsided take a look at. To be honest, I just like the look of the M135i greater than most however the S3 Sportback simply appears to be like sportier and extra like a sizzling hatch ought to. Its inside can be extra fascinating trying and it has flashier cabin tech.
This can be often the half the place I say that the BMW is probably going higher to drive, as that has traditionally been the case. However, I’m not so certain I can try this with the M135i as a result of it’s greatest criticism is that it’s a bit boring to drive. Now that the 1 Series now not has the good thing about rear-wheel drive, there’s no assure that it’s truly extra enjoyable. In truth, it’s in all probability at a drawback as a result of Audi has been doing front-wheel drive-based sizzling hatches for much longer than BMW, so it has extra expertise in that area.
We can’t wait to check these vehicles again to again to see how they get one however, for now, it looks as if the Audi S3 Sportback is the extra enticing automobile to have a look at.